Kleptomania

Kleptomania

The ironic thing about thefts by kleptomaniacs is that they usually do not need the items they steal and also have more than enough to buy the item if it was needed. Still, the uncontrollable urge to take the item is hard to resist for some people with this impulse-control disorder. Many people who have this disorder are ashamed and try to hide it, refusing to get treatment. This is one of the reasons you can get online therapy for kleptomania here at Mentaline.com. Before showing how you can get help with this sometimes embarrassing condition, here are some other facts about kleptomania that you should know.

Causes of Kleptomania

Little is known about the exact causes of this impulse-control disorder, but it is thought to be connected to serotonin levels in the brain. This is a chemical that helps regulate moods and emotions, and when it is out of balance, it can effects similar to those seen in kleptomaniacs. Also, people who suffer from various obsessive-compulsive disorders may also have a higher chance of having problems with this disorder. While the causes may not be understood completely, there is enough known about them for effective treatment options for kleptomania to be available.

Symptoms and Dangers of Kleptomania

The most common symptom of this disorder is the overwhelming desire and urge to take small items that aren't needed. Beyond this physical sign of a problem, there are many emotional indicators that may be present as well. For one, there is usually an increasing tension that leads up to the moment when an item is stolen. This is followed by pleasure then guilt, in that order. This cocktail of emotions can become addictive for some people, causing them to get more and more brazen and bold with each theft. As you might imagine, this can cause serious consequences in a person's life. This is why getting treatment for kleptomania is so important if the symptoms are seen.

Treatment for Kleptomania

Here at Mentaline.com, we understand that people may be embarrassed by this disorder, which is why we have combined psychotherapy with the communication of the Internet. You can book and conduct online therapy sessions with highly skilled therapists who specialize in impulsive-control disorder like kleptomania, and who can assist with all the problems associated with it. We also have an online forum so people can interact and get support from others who are facing similar disorders. Sometimes this makes all the difference in treatment for kleptomania.

Definition of Kleptomania

Kleptomania is an irresistible urge to steal small items that aren't needed and typically have little or no value. Counseling and therapy are both recommended for treatment of kleptomania.

Symptoms of / Reasons for Kleptomania

• Urge to steal items that aren't needed
• Increasing tension leading up to the theft
• Sense of pleasure or gratification after the theft
• Eventual feelings of guilt or shame related to the theft

Counselors in

Mentaline.com is the world's biggest online therapy and coaching universe with hundreds of therapists and coaches available for online sessions.

We've listed the top professionals in this specialty below.